Curriculum

Core Curriculum

With an expectation of high achievement, Hanford Christian School teachers collaborate to create an integrated curriculum.

Reading/English/Language Arts
Students participate in direct instruction at every grade level, every school day, to learn phonics, grammar, writing, reading, word study, spelling, handwriting, literature, and oral expression. The Hanford Christian School language arts program equips students to communicate clearly and orderly with confidence and boldness as they live out their commitment to Christ in a changing world. Students learn and master foundational skills to become exceptional writers, readers, and speakers.

Mathematics
The math program at HCS exemplifies a comprehensive developmental approach to teaching math theory, concept development, and skill mastery. The goal of daily math instruction is to develop disciplines of focus, logic, problem-solving, accuracy, and discernment while understanding God’s attributes and characteristics of universality, order, precision, dependability, and sovereignty.

Science
Teachers present science through investigation, hands-on application, and from the eyes of a botanist, geologist, engineer, physicist, architect, astronomer, etc. We teach science to learn the practical knowledge of the world around us, recognizing God as the Creator who made everything with a purpose. Students are placed in authentic environments such as: planetariums, working farms, orchards, outdoor educational retreat along with an annual science fair. Students master the scientific method approach while developing science process skills vital to learning outcomes. HCS students recognize the growing complexity of the world in which we live and are driven not by what they know but by what they can do with what they know to impact their future for God’s glory.

Social Studies/History/Civics
Social studies, world studies, and history instruction at HCS is based on a progression of study from self to family, neighborhood, community, localities, state, region, country, and continent to the entire world.

Students study these specific structures applying the eight strands of social studies:
1. History – Time, chronology, years, and dates of historical figures who help shape our lives today; events of the past
2. Geography – Location, place, and maps of people and environments that surround us and continually change
3. Economics– Wants, needs, goods, and services; how basic human needs are met in a variety of ways; how people use resources
4. Government– Community leaders who govern, make laws, and influence how we live
5. Citizenship – Rights, responsibilities, pride, and hope of our nation; beliefs and principles that identify our nation
6. Culture– Holidays, traditions, and stories about ourselves, our families, and our customs that we share to celebrate our way of life
7. Science, Technology & Society– Inventions, computers, and ideas that have changed the way people live together
8. Social Studies Skills - Recall details, understand cause and effect, compare and contrast, classify, make generalizations, make judgments, summarize and draw conclusions
Students also apply the six essential elements of geography to understand the earth’s land, water, plants, animals, and people. The goal of instruction is to cultivate an appreciation and understanding of people, places, and events in history, learn from the past to bear witness to God’s sovereignty, and develop a global knowledge and perspective for contribution.

Other Curriculum Areas

The Arts
All students learn visual art, performing art, digital art and music through the study of great artists, experiencing a variety of mediums, developing skills of ability and expression, all for the glory of God. Specific artists, and elements of art history, mediums, software, and skills are studied to become competent in creative expression. We cultivate an environment of praise and worship to our Creator as we communicate with others, while understanding the function and purpose of the arts.

Technology
The technology taught at HCS teaches K-8 students computer skills and the wise use of technology. Our mission is to teach students to apply an understanding of hardware and software as tools to communicate with, learn from, and utilize in the processing of information in a digital age. Students employ software that enhances their knowledge of language, reading, science, social studies, and math programs, as well as learn basic computer literacy in typing, word processing, presentation, organization, and information management. Students gain a strong understanding of the relationships between science, technology, society, and the individual as they learn to communicate and collaborate through a variety of digital media, environments, and distances. Our Jr. High students use Codrone Pro as a tool for understanding the use of robotics in real-world situations and enhances their knowledge of programming. Students also develop a strong understanding of design tools and apply their knowledge to design the annual school yearbook.

Physical Education
The focus on physical education is to care for our bodies, train, and develop our physical abilities, recognizing these as valuable gifts from God. All students are involved in developing skills and concepts of team sports in units of study during the year that support a knowledge and understanding of fitness, nutrition, goal setting, creative movement, safety, coordination, heart fitness, competition, sportsmanship and equipment usage. Students may also participate in many interscholastic team sports and competitions.

Foreign Language
Spanish is studied to develop basic proficiency in another language and to understand other cultures. Students master basic vocabulary and beginning grammar concepts by practice of four skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Studying a foreign language fosters an appreciation of and sensitivity to multicultural communities, preparing students to work effectively and humbly with others to impact God’s kingdom.

Library
Attending library class for students in grades K-8 serves as a gateway to learn how to use information to support their instruction and literacy development in the information age. Research is a key component of instruction and is taught developmentally.